Posts for tag: onlays

With the advancement of dental techniques and materials over recent years, the technologies used in cosmetic dental procedures have made great strides. Cosmetic dentistry has become a more common occurrence among dental patients because newer technologies have made the procedures easier and more affordable than ever before. Here is a sample of some types of cosmetic dentistry that are commonly performed at StoneBridge Ranch Smiles:

Tooth Whitening - Tooth whitening is probably one of the most common of all cosmetic dental procedures because it is so easy to accomplish and most patients can benefit from the procedure. The simple teeth whitening procedure involves a bleaching process that can be done in the office, or there are custom fitted tooth whitening kits that can be used at home.

Veneers - Dental veneers can offer patients with chipped or cracked teeth a beautiful smile in just a few short visits. The veneers consist of a thin layer of porcelain composite material that is permanently bonded to the front of tooth.

Composite Bonding - Composite bonding works in a similar fashion to dental veneers by covering up unsightly chips, cracks or discolored teeth. The difference is in the application. While veneers are molded over teeth, formed in a dental lab and then bonded to the tooth, composite bonding works by filling in the areas of the tooth that need to be repaired and then sculpting the composite material into shape to blend with the surrounding tooth.

Inlays and Onlays - Inlays and onlays are similar to composite resin fillings, except that rather than the composite material being placed into the tooth and then molded into place, a mold of the tooth is taken and the inlay or onlay is then created in a dental lab. This provides an opportunity for larger areas to be filled and the resulting filling is durable and permanently bonded into place.

Tooth Contouring and Reshaping - This procedure repairs small areas on a tooth by removing tooth enamel with a dental instrument to even out the teeth, smooth them out and polish them up. This is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to enhance a patient's smile.

Cosmetic dentistry can give you a smile that you will love to share with others. Whether you need a minor repair or some major dental work in order to create that perfect smile, the advances in cosmetic dental procedures can provide just what you need to look your best.